1909.15_60
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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (WO)
WASHINGTON, DC
FSH 1909.15 – NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 – REFERENCES
Amendment No.: 1909.15-2011-3
Effective Date: May 23, 2011
Duration: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: THELMA J. STRONG
Director, ORMS
Date Approved: 05/19/2011
Posting Instructions: Amendments are numbered consecutively by handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this
amendment. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last amendment to
this handbook was 1909.15-2011-2 to 1909.15_20.
New Document
1909.15_60
7 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
1909.15_60
(Amendment 1909.15-2010-1, 09/30/2010)
6 Pages
Digest:
66.1 - Updates hyperlink and makes minor edits for readability.
WO AMENDMENT 1909.15-2011-3
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/23/2011
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
1909.15_60
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FSH 1909.15 - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 - REFERENCES
Table of Contents
61 - ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS................................................................................ 3
62 - INDEXING STANDARDS ........................................................................................ 3
62.05 - Definitions .................................................................................................................. 3
62.06 - References .................................................................................................................. 3
62.1 - Layout ............................................................................................................................... 4
62.2 - Conventional Practices ..................................................................................................... 4
62.3 - Methodology..................................................................................................................... 4
63 - LIST OF FEDERAL AGENCIES AND FEDERAL-STATE AGENCIES WITH
JURISDICTION BY LAW OR SPECIAL EXPERTISE ON ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ISSUES ................................................................................................ 4
63.1 - List of Federal Agencies and Federal-State Agencies for Distribution of Draft and Final
Environmental Impact Statements .................................................................................. 5
64 - LAWS ...................................................................................................................... 5
64.1 - The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, As Amended ...................................... 5
64.2 - The Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970 ................................................... 5
64.3 - Clean Air Act, Section 309, As Amended ........................................................................ 5
65 - REGULATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION ................................... 5
65.1 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations ................................................... 5
65.11 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Supplementary Information .................... 6
65.12 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Forty (40) Most Asked Questions .......... 6
65.13 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Scoping Guidance ................................... 6
65.14 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Guidance Regarding NEPA Regulations 6
65.15 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Considering Cumulative Effects Under
the National Environmental Policy Act ...................................................................... 6
65.2 - Department of Agriculture NEPA Policies and Procedures ............................................. 6
65.21 - Department of Agriculture Land Use Policy .............................................................. 6
65.3 - Environmental Protection Agency Rating System ........................................................... 6
66 - EXECUTIVE ORDERS ............................................................................................ 7
66.1 - Executive Order (E.O.) 11514 - Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality
........................................................................................................................................ 7
67 - FEDERAL REGISTER DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS ......................................... 7
68 - STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES [RESERVED]..................................................... 7
WO AMENDMENT 1909.15-2011-3
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/23/2011
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1909.15 - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 - REFERENCES
This chapter contains guidelines and reference documents for environmental analysis and
preparation of environmental documents.
61 - ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
There is no longer a comprehensive listing of environmental factors that may need to be
considered for collection of data and information during environmental analyses. Requirements
that drive data collection and analyses include:
1. Requirements of regulatory agencies, such as U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for the
Endangered Species Act requirements and State Historic Preservation Offices for
compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act;
2. Forest Service policy, protocols, and technical requirements in the directives system
(manuals and handbooks) http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/;
3. Land and resource management plans (forest plans) and broader decisions like the
Northwest Forest Plan and Sierra Nevada Framework provide comprehensive analytical
requirements; and
4. Recent appeal and litigation issues.
62 - INDEXING STANDARDS
Preparation of an index, usually for an environmental impact statement (EIS), is a specialized
technical task (sec. 62.06). Consider using an experienced indexer, rather than the author of the
EIS, to prepare the index. The author(s) can assist the indexer by suggesting subject headings
and indicating their relative importance. Contacts with local publishing firms, colleges, and
universities may be useful in locating experienced indexers.
62.05 - Definitions
Definitions for indexing terms are found in Guidelines for Indexes and Related Information
Retrieval Devices (NISO Technical Report 2, NISO-TR02-1997,
http://www.niso.org/publications/tr/) listed in section 62.06.
62.06 - References
The following references provide further guidance and information on indexing.
1. Anderson, James D. 1997. NISO TR02-1997 Guidelines for Indexes and Related
Information Retrieval Devices. National Information Standards Organization. Bethesda,
MD USA. 62 pp. [http://www.niso.org/publications/tr/]
WO AMENDMENT 1909.15-2011-3
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/23/2011
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1909.15 - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 - REFERENCES
2. University of Chicago Press Staff, editor. 2003. The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th
Edition. University of Chicago Press. 984 p. [Available for purchase from The
University of Chicago Press; 1427 East 60th Street; Chicago, IL 60637; U.S.A.; (773)
702-7700; [http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html]
3. Council of Biology Editors Style Manual Committee. 1994. Scientific Style and
Format: The CBE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers. 6th ed. Bethesda, MD:
Council of Biology Editors. 324 p. [Available for purchase from the Council of Science
Editors; 12100 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 130; Reston, VA 20190;
http://www.councilscienceeditors.org/index.cfm]
4. British Standards Institution. 1997. Information and documentation. Guidelines for
the content, organization and presentation of indexes. British Standard BS ISO
999:1996. 54 p. [Available for purchase from British Standards Online, IHS
Engineering/IHS International; 15 Inverness Way East; Englewood, CO 80112; USA;
Telephone: 1-800-716-3447 www.bsonline.bsi-global.com]
62.1 - Layout
Guidelines for index layout are provided in the U.S. Government Printing Office Style Manual
(U.S. GPO, 2000, 326 p.). [www.gpoaccess.gov/stylemanual/browse.html]
62.2 - Conventional Practices
Conventional indexing practices can be found in Guidelines for Indexes and Related Information
Retrieval Devices (NISO Technical Report 2, NISO-TR02-1997,
http://www.niso.org/publications/tr/) listed in section 62.06.
62.3 - Methodology
When specialist indexing services are not used, indexing methods can be found in Guidelines for
Indexes and Related Information Retrieval Devices (NISO Technical Report 2, NISO-TR021997, http://www.niso.org/publications/tr/) listed in section 62.06.
63 - LIST OF FEDERAL AGENCIES AND FEDERAL-STATE AGENCIES WITH
JURISDICTION BY LAW OR SPECIAL EXPERTISE ON ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ISSUES
Seek information from the agencies listed in "Appendix II--Federal and Federal-State Agencies
With Jurisdiction by Law or Special Expertise on Environmental Quality Issues" which appeared
in the Federal Register, 49 FR 247, December 21, 1984, when developing environmental
analyses for proposed actions that may have environmental effects within the agencies areas of
jurisdiction or special expertise. The appendix is available at
http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/iii-7app2.pdf and guidance on using it can be found at
WO AMENDMENT 1909.15-2011-3
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/23/2011
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1909.15 - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 - REFERENCES
http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/iii-7app1.pdf. It should be noted that information provided
by the Council on Environmental Quality ‘(CEQ) indicates that “Particular contacts may in some
instances be outdated”.
63.1 - List of Federal Agencies and Federal-State Agencies for Distribution of
Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements
See http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nepa/includes/distlist.pdf for the distribution of draft and final
environmental impact statements (EISs).
64 - LAWS
The following laws are referred to in the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations
for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1500-1508),
http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm.
64.1 - The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, As Amended
The National Environmental Policy Act (Pub. L. 91-190, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347, January 1, 1970,
as amended by Pub. L. 94-52, July 3, 1975, and Pub. L. 94-83, August 9, 1975) is reproduced at
http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/nepa/nepaeqia.htm.
64.2 - The Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970
The Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-224, 42 U.S.C. 43714374, April 3, 1970) as amended (as amended (Pub. L. No. 91- 224, Title II, April 3, 1970; Pub.
L. No. 97-258, September 13, 1982; and Pub. L. No. 98-581, October 30, 1984) is reproduced
towards the end of the NEPA cited in 64.1, http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/nepa/nepaeqia.htm.
64.3 - Clean Air Act, Section 309, As Amended
See http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/ for Section 309 of the Clean Air Act as amended
(42 USC Sec. 7609).
65 - REGULATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
65.1 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations
The CEQ regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508.28) for implementing the NEPA are reproduced in
their entirety at http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm.
WO AMENDMENT 1909.15-2011-3
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/23/2011
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1909.15 - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 - REFERENCES
65.11 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Supplementary Information
The CEQ Supplementary Information is presented in exhibit 01, as extracted from the November
29, 1978, Federal Register (43 FR 55978).
65.12 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Forty (40) Most Asked Questions
See http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/40/40p3.htm for “NEPA’s 40 Most Asked Questions”
(46 FR 18026).
65.13 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Scoping Guidance
See http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/scope/scoping.htm for CEQ scoping guidance.
65.14 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Guidance Regarding NEPA
Regulations
See http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/1983/1983guid.htm for CEQ guidance regarding scoping,
categorical exclusions, adoption procedures, contracting provisions, selection of alternatives in
licensing and permitting situations, and tiering.
65.15 - Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Considering Cumulative Effects
Under the National Environmental Policy Act
See http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/ccenepa/ccenepa.htm for CEQ guidance regarding cumulative
effects.
65.2 - Department of Agriculture NEPA Policies and Procedures
See http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/ECS/environment/7cfr1b.pdf for the USDA
Departmental Policy for the National Environmental Policy Act (7 CFR part 1b).
65.21 - Department of Agriculture Land Use Policy
See the Department of Agriculture (USDA) land use policy for prime farmland, forest lands, and
rangelands. (Departmental Regulation (DR) 9500-3 (March 22, 1983))
http://www.ocio.usda.gov/directives/doc/DR9500-003.pdf.
65.3 - Environmental Protection Agency Rating System
See http://www.epa.gov/Compliance/resources/policies/nepa/nepa_policies_procedures.pdf
policy and procedures for the EPA Rating System as set out in EPA Manual 1640, Policy and
Procedures for the Review of Federal Actions Impacting the Environment (October 1984).
WO AMENDMENT 1909.15-2011-3
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/23/2011
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
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FSH 1909.15 - NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 60 - REFERENCES
66 - EXECUTIVE ORDERS
The CEQ website contains a listing of Executive Orders relevant to environmental analysis:
http://www.nepa.gov/nepa/regs/executiveorders.htm.
66.1 - Executive Order (E.O.) 11514 - Protection and Enhancement of
Environmental Quality
Executive Order 11514 (http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/eos/eo11514.pdf ) directs Federal
agencies to comply with the CEQ regulations.
67 - FEDERAL REGISTER DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
See Forest Service Intranet Portal/Directives/Federal Register/Preparing Documents/ for
instructions on preparing notices and rule documents for publication in the Federal Register.
Additional resources can be retrieved from Office of the Federal Register at
http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/write/resources.html and in the Federal Register
Document Drafting Handbook at http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/write/handbook/.
When the Chief or the Secretary is the responsible official, submit notices to the Washington
Office Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination for review and submission to the Office
of Regulatory Management Services. (FSM 1950.41)
68 - STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES [RESERVED]